Distracted Driving Becoming a Serious Problem

Distracted Driving Becoming a Serious Problem

In 2015, there were 3,477 people killed in the United States due to distracted driving. It’s a problem that has to be solved as it is affecting the lives of millions of people each day.

Before you can find a solution, you have to understand what is and causes distracted driving?

During a commute, if you are talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, listening to the stereo, watching the GPS, talking with someone in the vehicle, or anything else, you are technically distracted.

Facts to know:

5 seconds of distraction while traveling at 55 mph is the equivalent of traveling the length of a professional football field.

391,000 people we injured or involved in accidents because of distractions.

Teenagers are at the highest risk followed by professional transportation employees (truck drivers, delivery people, etc).

How do we stop it?

The best way to stop a problem is to prevent it in the first place. Educating about the dangers that distracted driving creates is important.

Training is an effective technique that allows for more disciplined and defensive driving. Teenagers can sign up for these programs during their pursuit of getting a license. This program can be made mandatory for professional transportation employees on an annual basis.

Cell phone blocking applications and devices can help drivers stay focused on driving, preventing drivers from making or accepting calls, texting, or accessing the internet. Cell phone blocking technology is most often found as an app for smartphones and is available from wireless services and companies that specialize in these apps. The most basic technologies prohibit calls or texts while a vehicle is in motion, while more advanced systems can block audio features and track speed and sudden stops.

Parents and employers can utilize these tools and incorporate safe-driving practices on a daily basis. Encouraging these habits will drastically reduce distracted driving and provide safer conditions on the road.